Women Could Have Greater Role in Church, Says Pope

Interview Suggests More Decision-Making Power, Shift on Divorcées

The Vatican could soon consider significant changes to the role of women in the church and the Catholic Church's approach to divorcees, Pope Francis says. America Magazine Editor-at-Large Father James Martin discusses on the News Hub. Photo: EPA.

ROME—The Vatican could soon make significant changes to the role of women in the Catholic Church and to its approach to divorcées, Pope Francis said in a newspaper interview.

As the anniversary of his election approaches, the Argentine-born pontiff also sought to rebuff criticisms that he has done too little to respond to the sex-abuse scandals that have rocked the church. He also touched on the issue of artificial birth control and sought to play down his huge popularity, saying that he is "not some sort of superman."